Wednesday, January 30, 2013

Lobelia Tea

Lobelia tea has is used to treat respiritory disorders.

Lobelia tea is a drink made from the lobelia plant which is found in temperate climates throughout the world. Native American communities have used lobelia tea for centuries, they believe it to be an effective treatment for respiratory and viral disorders, according to the university of Maryland Medical Center. Lobelia is also known as "Indian tobacco." Lobelia possesses relaxant, anti-spasmodic, diuretic and sedative properties, it can also be used to induce vomiting. Add this to my Recipe Box.

Lobelia: the plant

Lobelia is also known as Lobelia inflata, it is an annual or biennial herb which grows up to the height of two feet. The lobelia plant is covered in hairs, has yellow or light green leaves and produces violet flowers and oval shaped fruits.

Lobelia Uses & Herbal Remedies

Native Americans traditionally used lobelia to help treat asthma and clear the lungs. Lobelia tea is used still used for clearing the respiratory tract of mucus and the treatment of asthma. Lobelia is also available in capsules, tinctures and as a dried herb.

One of the active ingredients in the lobelia plant is lobeline, which was thought to have similar effects to nicotine. Because of this lobeline and lobelia tea have been used as a nicotine substitute and as a substance to break the smoking habit. However in 1993 the U.S. Food and Drug Administration prohibited lobeline smoking products. It thus became harder to smoke lobeline, lobelia tea was not affected by the legislation. Lobelia can be used in high doses to induce vomiting to clear the digestive system of toxins from food poisoning or excessive alcohol..

Lobelia Tea Cautions

Lobiline in lobelia tea is similar to nicotine and therefore should not be used during pregnancy and breastfeeding or by children. Large doses of lobelia can cause nausea, vomiting, convulsions and even coma. Lobelia is a potentially toxic substance and as such should not be taken by people with high blood pressure, kidney disease, seizure disorder or those recovering from shock.

Modern research into lobelia.

Contemporary researchers think that lobeline may reduce the effects of nicotine and other intoxicating substances on the brain. Lobeline seems to affect the release of dopamine which is an important brain chemical, involved in drug addiction. Researchers think that lobeline and lobelia tea may be useful for treating all sorts of addiction.

Lobelia Tea Recipe.

Lobelia tea can be prepared by mixing half a teaspoon of dried lobelia herb in 8 oz. of boiling water for 30 minutes. The drink should be consumed 2 oz. at a time, up to four times a day.

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